Steps to a Better Study Pt.2

Have you ever had trouble reading the next chapter for class because of the moronic guy that blasts his music in the most unusual places--this case being the library (and despite the fact that he was using ear buds!) . I've noticed that at times when I most need a quite place to read or study without distractions, such a place seems impossible to find. I usually go to the library at school before and after classes to study and this generally provides an adequate atmosphere; however, I still find myself distracted by the comings and goings of the other students. You may have had similar experiences.

Early on in the semester I tried studying at the library, outside at the Arboretum, at Starbucks Coffeehouse, and in my bedroom. Unfortunately, all of these places had too many distractions for me. After some trial and error, I found that because my Attention Deficit Disorder and Asperger's make focusing and noise more difficult for me, the best place for me to study is in a room all by myself. In addition, I have learned that I need to limit distractions such as music and television when I am studying; and that I study best later in the day between 4-8 p.m. While these are my study preferences, they may not be the best for everyone.

Because people are different, they have different needs and require different stimuli. Therefore, as a student it is important to identify the type of study environment and style that best meets your needs. For some it may be complete solitude and for others it may be a coffeehouse atmosphere with music and people. If you don't know what the optimal study environment is for you, then test drive a few different environments to see where you are best able to focus on your studies. Once you identify your study style and find your ideal study environment, you will be better able to focus on and complete your school assignments. It worked for me!

Sick of Setbacks

Now that Influenza season has arrived along with the colorful Autumn leafs, the last thing people want is a nasty virus. Nevertheless, with the cold and flu season upon us, don't be surprised to find yourself bed ridden for a few days this semester. I know because I was put out of commission for about 4-5 days a couple of weeks ago with flu like symptoms within days of getting my flu shot. Take it from me, getting sick is a horrible experience. First, you're spend days feeling miserable and unable to do anything but hope that you get better soon. Then to make matters worse, once you do get better you find yourself buried in a mountain of make-up school work. My first instinct was to panic; however, I then realized that by using both time and stress management skills I could make what seemed like an impossible task more manageable.

If you ever find yourself in this situation, the first trick is to NOT over react once you realize that you have a ton of work in your "To Do" box. Stressing about it will only stall your efforts to get the work done. My suggestion is to write down all of your homework assignments. Next, prioritize each by writing numbers one, two, three, etc. beside each according to order of important. This could be based on the date when due or the amount of work required to complete the task (i.e. a research paper is more important than completing chapter questions). Then try to map out a schedule for getting the work done. For example, set goals such as on Saturday and Sunday I will work on my research paper, then on Monday complete math and history questions, etc. The hard part will be sticking to the schedule and focusing on one task at a time. I know from my own experience that I was better able to complete my make-up assignments by focusing on one at a time. Because I initially felt overwhelmed, I found myself taking a shotgun approach to my make-up work. I'd start work on one assignment, then shift to another, and then another, without ever completing any of them. This approach did not work because I was having to shift my mental gears too often. I finally realized that focusing on one task at a time until it was completed was a better use of my time. Also, being able to mark off an assignment from my "To Do" list made be feel like I was making progress.

Hopefully, you will be one of the lucky few who don't get sick this semester, but if it happens to you and you get behind on your school work, just take a deep breath and remember that stressing out will only slow you down. Instead, prioritize your assignments and make a plan for getting the work done one assignment at a time. Don't let getting sick set you back.

Stress No More

S-T-R-E-S-S can be a real nuisance. The past two weeks have been unbelievably stressful for me. I have been busy studying for mid-term exams and preparing research papers and essays for many of my classes. I can definitely say from experience that stress and studying do NOT go together. That feeling of being overwhelmed is not enjoyable. For me, stress has been like a roadblock. Because my concentration has been diverted to worrying how to get my papers done and find time to study, I've had trouble staying on track and focusing on each of my assignments. My shot gun approach to completing my papers and studying for exams was not a good use of my time. It also added to my stress levels. I think from now on I will try focusing on one project at a time. I also think that when I become overwhelmed again, I will try to take more time to relax my mind. Learning to meditate, or finding other ways to de-stress, such as listening to ambient music, exercising, doing some deep breathing might also help me relax so that I can better focus on by studies. Trust me, after the last couple of weeks, I'm ready to try anything! I hope that other college students reading this blog might find these tips useful.

Food & Fitness Factor

I'm only two months in to college life and I am beginning to realize what an impact it has on my daily schedule, not to mention my waistline. Because I take classes during the day, work part-time, and study at night, I find myself making less healthy choices for the snacks and food I eat and going to the gym less often. I guess I should not really be surprised that I've gained weight, but, it really seems to have happened quickly. As a result, I am starting to re-think what it is that I am doing, so that I can make some changes before my weight gets out of control. While there's nothing wrong with grabbing a bite at Raising Cane's once or twice a week, I need to at least be self-conscious of how physically fit I am. I have begun to substitute sodas with bottled water. Not only does it do away with empty calories, but it also helps to keep my body hydrated. I have also been trying to incorporate healthier food choices into my meals. For example, instead of having ice cream or chocolate pie for dessert, I try to eat an apple or grab a cup of yogurt. And while I still enjoy a good burger and fries every once and awhile, I realize that by making healthier selections I am becoming healthier and more fit. I've also begun to notice that more and more fast food places including McDonalds, Burger King, and Chick Filet are offering healthier selections as alternatives to fatty foods (veggie burgers, salads, fruit, yogurt).
So, while my hectic life may force me to eat more fast food, that no longer means sacrificing healthy choices for convenience.

While I used to go to the gym 3-4 days a week for a hour and a half each day, since I started college that time has slowly decreased. Because I don't have as much time to go to the gym as I used to have, I'm trying to do more exercises at home such as sit-ups and lifting hand weights. I am also tryping to go to the gym at least twice a week. I have found that I am able to fit the home exercises into my schedule more easily than I am the trips to the gym. As for staying active, I have set a goal of at least three hours of exercise every week to keep in shape. I guess the key is that a little exercise is better than no exercise.

Eco-Friendly Appeal

Out of all the recent trends of automakers and oil companies, the most widespread seems to be ecological pledges and goals for their products. Most people have seen the automobile commercials that focus on fuel efficient capabilities of new vehicle models or the oil companies bragging how their scientific research can lead to improvement in auto emissions. While I applaud their efforts to present "green" products to consumers, I have to ask, "Why did it take so long?" In reality, I see their efforts as no more than a marketing ploy similar to that of the "fat-free" craze. To me these automakers and oil companies are jumping on the "green" bandwagon simply to rack up major profits by appealing to consumers who are looking for ways to live greener lifestyles. I question their motives -- is it because they are concerned about the planet or their bottom line?

Early to Bed, Early to Rise

As a college student, I'd like to discuss something humans do every day -- Sleep. You may ask "What does sleep have to do with college?" Well, I found out for myself that sleep is extremely important to being successful in college. Last Saturday I stayed up until about 4:00 a.m. just chilling out on the computer and watching T.V. Although I was up by noon Sunday, all day long I just felt out of sorts and sluggish. When I tried sit down and work on my reading and homework for school, I couldn't seem to focus on what I was doing. By the time Sunday evening rolled around, I hadn't completed any of the assignments I had planned to do that day and felt like the whole day had been a total waste. Suffice it to say that I was angry with myself. Had the next day not been Labor Day -- thereby giving me an extra day to complete my school work -- I would have been sunk. It was at that point that I realized in order for me to function at 100 percent, I would need to get my body on a schedule. That meant going to bed and getting up at set times.

I know this sounds boring for an 18 year old to be saying this, but, when you think about it, sleep serves as one of our major sources of energy. It rejuvenates the body and eases the mind. When we sleep we are storing energy that is essential to carrying out our important schedules and daily tasks. Without being well rested--that is to say getting 7-8 hours of sleep a night --you can feel weakened, lethargic, unfocused and miserable. Moreover, sleep can determine whether you stay focused and relaxed throughout the day or ill productive and sloppy. For tests, quizzes and other large projects you'll need every ounce of energy you can muster. If you're unable to understand simple directions you won't understand the problems. Lack of sleep can also impair your study habits and concentration. That is why overnight study sessions are counter productive. Think about it, I mean what good is cramming for a test when you aren't able to concentrate on the day of the test?

The best way to ensure a good night sleep is to set a respective bedtime and time to wake up; finish any school work in a timely manner; and not drink caffeinated drinks late at night. These are simple tips anyone can do to maintain healthy lifestyle and be a better student.

Adaptive Instinct

When an organism enters a new environment, that organism undergoes physiological changes so that it is better suited to it's surroundings. This process supports our wellbeing in many ways other than survival. It is known as adaptation and allows ourselves to thrive on a constantly changing planet.
In today's world we are more dependent on psychological changes that allow ourselves to blend in with social groups. These adaptations serve to establish a self-identity and association to people we can relate to.